After the shift change, which patient in the emergency department should the nurse prioritize for assessment?

A 39-year-old patient experiencing tenderness and swelling in the right calf following a flight.

A 58-year-old patient on anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation presenting with black stools.

A 67-year-old patient with a gangrenous foot ulcer and a weak pedal pulse.

A 50-year-old patient reporting sudden, severe upper back pain.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
A 39-year-old patient experiencing tenderness and swelling in the right calf following a flight may be experiencing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition that can lead to serious complications such as pulmonary embolism if not treated. However, DVT is not immediately life-threatening in most cases.
Choice B rationale
A 58-year-old patient on anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation presenting with black stools is likely experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding, a common side effect of anticoagulant therapy. This can lead to severe blood loss, anemia, and hypovolemic shock, which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. Therefore, this patient should be prioritized for assessment.
Choice C rationale
A 67-year-old patient with a gangrenous foot ulcer and a weak pedal pulse likely has peripheral artery disease and an infection that could lead to sepsis if not treated. However, while this condition needs medical attention, it is not as immediately life-threatening as gastrointestinal bleeding.
Choice D rationale
A 50-year-old patient reporting sudden, severe upper back pain could be experiencing a number of conditions, ranging from musculoskeletal strain to aortic dissection. While an aortic dissection is a medical emergency, without additional symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or loss of consciousness, this patient is not the highest priority.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Elevating the leg above the level of the heart would not be beneficial in this case. This action would actually reduce blood flow to the leg, which is already compromised due to the arterial occlusion.
Choice B rationale
Exercising the leg would increase the oxygen demand of the tissues in the leg, which could exacerbate the problem. The tissues in the leg are already deprived of oxygen due to the arterial occlusion.
Choice C rationale
Applying a compression stocking to the leg would not be beneficial in this case. This action would further compromise blood flow to the leg, which is already reduced due to the arterial occlusion.
Choice D rationale
Keeping the patient in bed in the supine position is the correct action. This position will decrease the oxygen demand of the tissues in the leg and minimize ischemic damage until circulation can be restored.

A. Providing a pressure reducing mattress. B. Administering oxygen and monitoring for dry nasal mucus membranes. C. Encouraging the client to turn, deep breathe, cough, and use the incentive spirometer. D. Placing the client in Fowler’s position.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Providing a pressure-reducing mattress, while important for preventing pressure ulcers, is not directly related to improving gas exchange in the lungs. Therefore, it would be considered the least priority intervention for a nursing diagnosis of impaired gas exchange related to fluid in the alveoli.
Choice B rationale
Administering oxygen and monitoring for dry nasal mucus membranes is a crucial intervention for a patient with impaired gas exchange. Oxygen therapy can help increase the amount of oxygen in the blood and alleviate symptoms of hypoxemia.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the client to turn, deep breathe, cough, and use the incentive spirometer can help improve lung ventilation, promote the clearance of secretions, and prevent atelectasis, thereby improving gas exchange.
Choice D rationale
Placing the client in Fowler’s position can help improve lung expansion and gas exchange by reducing pressure on the diaphragm, making it easier for the patient to breathe.

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After the shift change, which patient in the emergency department should the nurse prioritize for assessment?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An older patient with chronic atrial fibrillation develops sudden severe pain, pulselessness, pallor, and coolness in the right leg, consistent with acute arterial occlusion. After the nurse notifies the healthcare provider, what should the nurse do next?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A woman has recently been diagnosed with Raynaud’s disease. What important information should the nurse provide to this patient?

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